"This drop in world carryover stocks of grain to 72 days of consumption is moving us uncomfortably close to the 64 days of carryover stocks in 2007 that fueled the 2007-08 spike in world food prices," says Lester R. Brown, president of Earth Policy Institute.

A searing record heat wave, severe drought, and relentless wildfires in Russia and Central Europe have decimated the region's harvests. . .

"Rising temperatures and food security do not mix," notes Brown. "The situation in Russia gives us a preview of what could be in store if we continue to overheat our planet."